Marriage in Bali: Legal Requirements for Foreigners & Mixed Couples
Bali is one of the world’s most romantic destinations, attracting thousands of couples each year to tie the knot surrounded by natural beauty and vibrant culture. But if you’re a foreigner—or part of a mixed couple—planning to get legally married in Bali, there are important legal steps you must follow.
At The Bali Lawyer, we specialize in helping foreign nationals and mixed-nationality couples navigate Indonesian marriage laws with confidence and clarity. This comprehensive guide explains the legal process for marriage in Bali in 2025, including documentation, requirements, and official registration, ensuring your marriage is recognized both locally and internationally.
Why Get Married in Bali?
Couples from around the world choose Bali not only for its breathtaking scenery and spiritual ambiance but also for the unique combination of traditional rituals and modern wedding services. From beachfront vows to mountaintop ceremonies, the island offers countless venues and styles for every kind of wedding. However, beyond the ceremony itself, a legal marriage in Bali requires preparation and compliance with Indonesian civil and religious laws.
Is Marriage in Bali Legally Recognized?
Yes—marriages in Bali are legally recognized if they comply with both religious and civil requirements. Indonesia does not allow purely civil marriages. All legal marriages must be conducted under one of the country’s official religions and must be registered with the Civil Registry Office.
Foreigners and mixed-nationality couples must also comply with immigration regulations and provide specific legal documentation from their home countries to validate their eligibility to marry in Indonesia.
Who Can Get Married in Bali?
You can legally get married in Bali if:
Both parties are at least 18 years old
You are of the opposite sex (same-sex marriages are not recognized)
You both agree to a religious wedding under one of Indonesia’s officially recognized religions: Islam, Protestant Christianity, Catholicism, Hinduism, Buddhism, or Confucianism
You provide the required documents from your country of origin, including a Certificate of No Impediment (CNI) or an Affidavit of Marital Status
Mixed couples (Indonesian + foreigner) and two foreigners can both legally marry in Bali, provided these requirements are met.
Legal Requirements for Foreigners Marrying in Bali
1. Religious Ceremony
In Indonesia, the marriage must be performed according to the religious beliefs of the couple. You must share the same religion, or one party must convert before the marriage takes place.
Your marriage will be officiated by a religious leader (priest, imam, or official) followed by a civil registration process.
2. Civil Registration
After the religious ceremony, you must register the marriage at the local Kantor Catatan Sipil (Civil Registry Office) to make it legally binding under Indonesian law.
You will receive an Akta Perkawinan (Marriage Certificate), which serves as your legal proof of marriage in Indonesia.
Required Documents for Foreigners
To proceed with the legal marriage process in Bali, you will need to provide the following documents:
Passport (original and copy)
Birth certificate
Certificate of No Impediment (CNI) from your country’s embassy or consulate in Indonesia, confirming you are free to marry
Divorce decree or death certificate (if previously married)
Four passport-sized photos of the couple together
Proof of religion (such as baptism certificate for Christians)
Note: Requirements may vary slightly depending on nationality. The Bali Lawyer can guide you step-by-step through the embassy processes and ensure all paperwork is in order before your wedding day.
Requirements for Mixed Couples (Indonesian + Foreigner)
Mixed marriages are legal and common in Bali. However, they involve a few extra steps, especially when it comes to prenups, citizenship rights, and asset management.
Key requirements:
The Indonesian partner must present a National Identity Card (KTP) and Family Card (KK)
The foreign partner must obtain a Certificate of No Impediment
A prenuptial agreement is highly recommended if you plan to own property or open a business in Indonesia
Without a legally notarized prenuptial agreement signed before marriage, the Indonesian spouse may lose the ability to retain full ownership of property or assets.
At The Bali Lawyer, we provide full legal assistance for preparing prenups that protect your rights and comply with Indonesian law.
Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Married Legally in Bali
Step 1: Legal Consultation
Contact a local legal expert to assess your eligibility, religious alignment, and document requirements. The Bali Lawyer offers free consultations to get you started.
Step 2: Collect and Legalize Documents
Obtain the necessary documents from your home country and ensure they are translated (if needed), legalized, or notarized as required. We help verify document validity to avoid delays.
Step 3: Religious Ceremony Preparation
Decide on the religious rite under which you will marry. Organize the ceremony with a registered religious leader, which we can arrange for you.
Step 4: Civil Registration
Following the religious wedding, we handle the civil registration with the Kantor Catatan Sipil, ensuring your marriage is officially recognized.
Step 5: Receive Marriage Certificate
You will receive the Marriage Certificate (Akta Perkawinan), which can be used to register your marriage back in your home country, apply for a spouse visa, or update official records.
What Happens After the Wedding?
Once married in Bali, your legal status may change, especially if you plan to live in Indonesia long-term. Many foreign spouses apply for a spouse-sponsored KITAS (temporary stay permit), allowing them to legally reside in Bali and renew it annually.
The Bali Lawyer can assist with:
Spouse KITAS application and renewals
Family sponsorship
Property ownership guidance for mixed couples
Prenup and postnup agreement creation
Translation and Legalization Services
Some documents must be translated into Bahasa Indonesia and legalized by notaries or Indonesian authorities. Our legal team offers complete translation, notarization, and embassy liaison services to streamline this process, ensuring nothing is missed.
What If You’re Already Married Abroad?
If you are already legally married in another country and wish to register your marriage in Bali (or apply for a KITAS), we can help you:
Translate and legalize your foreign marriage certificate
Register your marriage with the Indonesian Civil Registry
Apply for dependent or spouse KITAS
Create a postnuptial agreement if needed for property ownership
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not checking embassy-specific requirements for your nationality
Forgetting to prepare a Certificate of No Impediment
Having a religious ceremony without civil registration
Not having a prenuptial agreement for mixed marriages involving property
Trusting unlicensed agents or vendors who do not handle legalities properly
The Bali Lawyer ensures that every step of your marriage is compliant with the law, protecting your rights now and in the future.
Why Choose The Bali Lawyer?
We are a Bali-based law service with years of experience helping foreigners and mixed couples get legally married in Indonesia. Our team handles everything from paperwork to ceremony coordination and civil registration.
Our services include:
Legal consultation and document review
Embassy coordination and CNI support
Religious and civil marriage registration
Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements
KITAS (spouse visa) and immigration support
Translation, legalization, and notarial services
When you work with The Bali Lawyer, you’re backed by a team that understands both Indonesian law and international needs.
Start Planning Your Legal Marriage in Bali Today
A wedding in Bali can be a dream come true—but only when the legal details are managed properly. Whether you’re planning a romantic elopement or a full cultural celebration, The Bali Lawyer provides all the legal support you need to ensure your marriage is valid and recognized.